This chapter examines the conceptual continuities of dharma as an integral part of Eastern traditions representing different roles of society in the Indian context. It explores how the conceptual appraisal of dharma includes different dimensions such as varṇa, āśrama, puruṣārtha and svadharma, each of which offers unique perspectives on its application. Although these dimensions function with authority in different hermeneutical positions within Brahmanical social contexts, they are not mutually exclusive. The chapter notes how varṇadharma has historically legitimized class hierarchies while reflecting social segregation, although the primary understanding of varṇa in the Ṛgveda was not initially tied to specific caste identities. Therefore, the idea of dharma is not simply limited to social realities, but intersects with karma and yoga, illustrating how it relates to other complex philosophical concepts. This interconnectedness reveals dharma as an ongoing continuum in the pursuit of moral realization and accountability, with implications for new conceptualizations of dharma in glocal contexts. The chapter argues that the conceptual continuity of dharma maintains contextual, cosmic, secular and theological constructs that function according to specific contexts. Though medieval Brahmanical conception developed dharma as a social reality involving community cohesion and class status, the nature of dharma remains continuous and plural and does not impose a unified structure of identity.

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Conceptual Continuity

  • Jijoy Mathew

摘要

This chapter examines the conceptual continuities of dharma as an integral part of Eastern traditions representing different roles of society in the Indian context. It explores how the conceptual appraisal of dharma includes different dimensions such as varṇa, āśrama, puruṣārtha and svadharma, each of which offers unique perspectives on its application. Although these dimensions function with authority in different hermeneutical positions within Brahmanical social contexts, they are not mutually exclusive. The chapter notes how varṇadharma has historically legitimized class hierarchies while reflecting social segregation, although the primary understanding of varṇa in the Ṛgveda was not initially tied to specific caste identities. Therefore, the idea of dharma is not simply limited to social realities, but intersects with karma and yoga, illustrating how it relates to other complex philosophical concepts. This interconnectedness reveals dharma as an ongoing continuum in the pursuit of moral realization and accountability, with implications for new conceptualizations of dharma in glocal contexts. The chapter argues that the conceptual continuity of dharma maintains contextual, cosmic, secular and theological constructs that function according to specific contexts. Though medieval Brahmanical conception developed dharma as a social reality involving community cohesion and class status, the nature of dharma remains continuous and plural and does not impose a unified structure of identity.